Donna Bauer is Oakland Thrive's Hospitality, Retail & Service Industry Specialist for Oakland County and a Business Startup & Turnaround Specialist. She helps entrepreneurs launch new businesses, strengthen existing companies, and transform struggling operations into profitable, sustainable enterprises through strategic planning, financial analysis, and operational improvement. Known for her practical, hands-on approach, Donna works one-on-one with business owners to identify challenges, uncover growth opportunities, and develop customized strategies that improve profitability and support long-term success. Since joining Oakland Thrive, she has successfully helped hundreds of small business owners/entrepreneurs evaluate their businesses and create actionable plans for success. With decades of executive leadership, consulting, and hospitality experience, Donna has worked with restaurants, banquet facilities, cottage food businesses, bars, cafés, food manufacturers, caterers, retail businesses, and other service-based companies throughout Oakland County. Her expertise includes business startups, turnarounds, financial planning, operational systems, licensing, marketing strategy, and business expansion. Donna earned her MBA with a specialization in Finance from Walsh College and previously served many years as a Culinary Professor for a renowned culinary school. She is recognized for combining financial expertise with real-world operational experience to help business owners solve complex challenges and build stronger, more successful businesses. (248)466-9603